Distributed Data Processing

Power of Distributed Data Processing Profitool distributes to remote users both the responsibility for and the benefits of a project cost control system, while maintaining a consolidated corporate financial accounting system.
Profitool can be installed at any selected jobsite on a stand-alone computer system that can be as large, or as small, as that project's transaction volume requires. This delivers the full power of Profitool directly to the front-line users who originate the project's cost and revenue transactions. More importantly, the cost control information is immediately available to your project management staff for analysis and action. Behind the scenes at the jobsite, Profitool is automatically summarizing all transactions for transfer and consolidation into the corporate computer system. The transfer can be performed immediately and automatically from jobsite systems that are on-line with the home office. Otherwise, the transfer of project data can be by any media available for each jobsite situation, from dial-up to courier to mail.
Profitool comprises an enterprise-wide management information system. Project transactions and status information flowing from remote installations are combined with the home office transactions to create a consolidated multi-project, multi-company financial database. While the project transactions have been summarized, there is sufficient information to detail job-by-job status in support of corporate and group financial reporting.

Hewlett-Packard
Fort Collins Campus, Building #5
Fort Collins, Colorado
Gerald H. Phipps, Inc. worked with Hewlett-Packard through design and construction to construct the 185,000 square foot, three story state-of-the-art research and development facility.

Distributed Processing/Central Control
While Profitool gives the jobsite the potential of using all functions of the system, each remote installation is distinctly configured and authorized to access only those procedures that are to be distributed. Furthermore, the home office can control and maintain any aspect of the remote system, such as cost code lists, vendor rosters and central purchasing. With Profitool, effective distributed data processing for construction is a reality.

Key Features

Provides reliable exchange of data between heterogeneous systems in a distributed network that adapts to the realities of the construction environment.
Utilizes a two-way message-based protocol that enables remote systems to be a part of a larger network with only necessary data exchanged between systems.
Guarantees data integrity between systems - even if communications fail during message transfer.
Uses industry-standard messaging protocols.